Zoning, marking, drilling and certification Pathways Network, as well as Climbing Routes and fields, 20 km long, decided in a memorandum signed on Friday at the Cultural Centre of Kastelorizo by the Minister of State for the Environment and Energy, George Amyras, accompanied by the Secretary General for the Natural Environment and Water, Konstantinos Aravosi, the Managing Director of the Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency (OFYPEKA), Konstantinos Triantis and the mayor of Megisti, George Samsakos.
Indeed, in a symbolic gesture, the Deputy Minister hung the first wooden trail sign at the beginning of the most popular trail with 400 steps leading to the Holy Monastery of Agios Georgios Vounos.
As it was announced by the Ministry of Environment, the ten or so hiking trails and the four climbing fields that meet along them will be highlighted with special signage, with funding secured by the Ministry of Environment.
Also the trails of Kastelorizo are to be included in the National Trail Network, part of which will receive the financial support of Recovery and Resilience Fund.
C. During his three-day visit, G. Amyras said: «Greece starts from Kastelorizo and we at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources with Minister Kostas Skrekas are joining forces with the local community to protect and promote the natural and cultural identity of the island. Greek and foreign visitors will now have the opportunity to enjoy hiking in the untouched, pristine natural landscape‘.
For her part, the President of OFYPEKA, Maria Papadopoulou, in a written statement, says: ’OFYPEKA was responsible for drafting the biodiversity package in the country's proposal for the Recovery Fund and we are really happy for the approval of all the actions. Emblematic is the action of creating the National Trail Network with a total budget of 30 million euros that will support sustainable development and highlight the uniqueness of Greek nature.«.
The mayor of Megisti, George Samsakos after thanking the Ministry of Environment, said: «A new challenge a new perspective unfolds before us with the signing of the memorandum between the Ministry of Environment and Energy and our municipality. We welcome with great satisfaction the cooperation that will open new horizons in environmental issues of sustainable development and actions unprecedented for our island. Kastelorizo, smiling and creative together, unfolding symbolic messages and active experiences over the years, is looking to a very promising future».
As it became known, the study for the placement and promotion of the network of paths will be prepared by the Greek cartographer, Stefanos Psimenos.
